Statement by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Speakes on the Visit of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg

November 13, 1984
Grand Duke Jean met with the President today. It was the first state visit from Luxembourg in
over 20 years. This was of enormous significance to the Grand Duke, coming 1 day after the 20th
anniversary of the Grand Duke's ascension to the throne.

Luxembourg has pursued a pro-U.S., pro-NATO foreign policy, and the President expressed to
the Grand Duke his appreciation for Luxembourg's support in this effort. Luxembourg is an active
member of the Atlantic alliance. It plays a pivotal role in our common security policies,
particularly for logistics, reenforcement, and communications.

Luxembourgers, and the Grand Duke in particular, have a strong attachment to this country. The
Grand Duke reiterated his family's great appreciation for our wartime assistance, beginning with
the evacuation of the Royal Family in 1940. As you know, the Grand Duke lived in Washington
during World War II.

The Grand Duke and the President had met previously at Normandy in June, and this was of
special significance to the Grand Duke, who was then a lieutenant in the Irish Guards and
participated in the Normandy invasion.

The Grand Duke recalled his experiences with the American Army that liberated Luxembourg 40
years ago. And he noted that he is especially pleased to be able to spend time this week with the
U.S. Army's Fourth Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, and this is the unit that he
accompanied on the liberation of Luxembourg.

The President, on his part, reviewed our efforts to reestablish a productive dialog with the Soviets
on all issues, and in arms control, in particular. The President provided the Grand Duke an idea of
where we hope to go in the second Reagan term. And in addition, the Grand Duke indicated that
the strong vote of confidence the President received from the American electorate will enable this
administration to deal with the Soviets from a position of great confidence.

The Grand Duke noted that Luxembourg will assume the Presidency of the European Community
in the latter half of 1985. And he noted that he would want his government to work closely with
the U.S. in managing the U.S. economic community relations.

President Reagan reviewed the latest developments in Central America, and of particular interest
to the Grand Duke was the positive turn toward democracy in El Salvador under President
Duarte.

Note: Larry M. Speakes read the statement to reporters assembled in the Briefing Room at the
White House during his daily press briefing, which began at 12:34 p.m.